SelecTree: Tree Detail
Purple Orchid Tree
Bauhinia variegata
Photo Locations: Balboa Park - San Diego, CA, Alameda Plazas and Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden - Santa Barbara, CA, San Luis Obispo, CA and San Diego, CA
General Notes
A delightful tree for mild winter climates. Its foliage is similar to a Redbud, and the orchid-like flowers are highly prized. It is most-often grown in southern California, as it is rather tender. Those grown in the northern central valley usually do not flower as profusely. It may require regularly scheduled light top-trimming (but not necessarily shearing) of vigorous top shoots to maintain its height below 25'.
Has fragrant Flower.
Native to India and China.
Family: Fabaceae
Synonyms
Bauhinia purpurea
Bauhinia chinensis
Additional Common Names
Variegated Orchid Tree, PURPLE ORCHID TREE, MOUNTAIN EBONY
Tree Characteristics
Spreading with a Low Canopy.
Rounded or Umbrella Shape.
Has Deciduous to Partly Deciduous foliage.
Height: 20 - 35 feet.
Width: 20 - 35 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Year.
Longevity 40 to 150 years.
Leaves Lobed and Palmate, Light Green, Deciduous to Partly Deciduous.
Fragrant Lavender or Pink. Flowers in Spring or Winter. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Brown Pod, Very Large (Over 3.00 inches), fruiting in Summer.
Bark Dark Gray or Light Gray, Scaly or Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 13 and 18 - 24; H1, H2.
USDA Hardiness Zones 9 - 11.
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Drought tolerant.
Loam or Sand Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Moderate Inland.
Seaside Tolerance is Not Suited.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Aphids.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
None Known Health Hazard.
Biogenic Emissions considered Moderate.
Attracts Birds.
Special Uses & Values
Street Tree or Screen.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Bauhinia variegata Tree Record." 1995-2019. Apr 18, 2019.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/bauhinia-variegata >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.